Temperature Fluctuations

[jlfalin]

I have been watching the temperature in my 10 gallon tank recently and it seems to fluctuate from 77 to 82 with cycles of the heater. Do you think there will be any negative effect on my livestock while I wait to get a controller or better heater. I have a BTA, GSP, xenia, kenia tree, and what I think is a montipora digitata. Also, can anyone give suggestions on a good heater or controller for my heater that is reasonably priced (25 - 50$).

Thanks

 

[jong11]

Get rid of that BTA or upgrade now.

When does the temp fluctuate? Does it get hotter only when the lights are on? If your heater is working properly it wouldn't be fluctuating like this unless another source is increasing the temp. What is the heater set at?

 

[jlfalin]

I am using LED's and the heat from this is very very small. I am getting the fluctuations even if the lights are off. The other item is a koralia pump that uses 3.5W which I doubt is the source. I think it is just a crappy heater that has a bad temperature probe. The temp is set for 78 it just stays on too long and heats the water more than it should. Could this be an issue of having the small Koralia pointed straight at it?

 

[jong11]

Probably a faulty heater, I'd replace it and see if you still have fluctuations. As far as a controller, I'd say you're looking at $100 and up. Even the temperature only controllers are about that.
What brand heater do you have?

 

[jlfalin]

Just replaced the heater with a new FLuval for short term fix until I can get a controller to my house. The temp was 82 and the nem hated it and shrivled up. He has been doing this here or there though and fully recovers so he should be all good. Anemones like cooler water right in the mid to upper 70's

 

[r-balljunkie]

82 is fine for a tank temp, dont assume its too high, or is detrimental to your livestock

for little money, you should consider upsizing. 10 gallons leaves no room for errors.

 

[Peter Eichler]

Just replaced the heater with a new FLuval for short term fix until I can get a controller to my house. The temp was 82 and the nem hated it and shrivled up. He has been doing this here or there though and fully recovers so he should be all good. Anemones like cooler water right in the mid to upper 70's

The temperature swings you're describing aren't particularly detrimental and are in fact more natural than the constant temperature maintained by so many reefers. But, a faulty heater is not something to allow to make those swings happen...

Lastly, to say anemones like mid to low 70's for a temperature is oversweeping and absolutely false. Many species of tropical anemone will do well and show little signs of stress as high as the upper 80's. I'd be more concerned about the small system you're housing an anemone in moreso than your temperature reaching 82.